What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Finding your next used or certified pre-owned car in High Point can feel overwhelming. Learning to buy from a dealer can take a lot of the headache out of the process, whether you’re on your first car or your fifth. The pros at Terry Labonte Chevrolet have put together a guide to help you know what to look for when buying a used car, as well as what questions to ask in a handy checklist. Continue reading to learn more about buying a used car below, then look at our pre-owned inventory to find a car that suits your needs.

Buying a Used Car From a Dealer

Used cars offer several benefits, like lower out-the-door prices, lower insurance rates, and more recent technology on a budget. When you’re picking out your next used car for those Winston Salem commutes, you can find several options at Terry Labonte Chevrolet. Whether it’s your next used truck or a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy, here are the steps to follow when you plan on buying a used car from a dealership:

• Find the Right Car: The right used car for you will depend on your lifestyle, how much you drive, and your budget. Start by narrowing down the types of vehicles you’re interested in and what’s available at your local dealership. When you’ve whittled your list down to a few models and trims, research reliability reviews from sites like KelleyBlueBook and Edmunds to make sure you aren’t setting yourself up for expensive repairs in the future.
• Set Your Budget: Do the math and compare the cost to buy new versus the cost to buy used. Factor in expenses such as new tires, minor repairs, and routine maintenance. Consider how much of your monthly budget can afford to go to car payments, making sure it doesn’t exceed more than 10% of your monthly income. To get an idea of what your monthly payments might look like, value your trade and use our payment calculator.
• Explore Financing Options: If you have a monthly payment in mind, look at some of your loan options to see what companies offer loans that meet your needs. Be sure to factor in state taxes and registration fees.
• Go For A Test Drive: Once you’ve found a few models you like within your budget, go to the dealer and take a test drive! If you’re ready to make an offer on a car, thoroughly inspect the vehicle before committing. If possible, take it to a trustworthy Kernersville mechanic to have it looked at more closely.
• Complete the Deal: Make an offer and apply for the loans you researched! Don’t forget to note any applicable warranties and get your car insured as soon as possible.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Before you make that offer, make sure you know what to ask when buying a used car to protect yourself from any major repairs in the future! Use the following as a used car checklist the next time you’re interested in a vehicle and need to know more:

• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• What is the ownership history?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is there a history of maintenance?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• How is the vehicle priced?

Learn More About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car at Terry Labonte Chevrolet

With a wide selection of used and pre-owned certified vehicles in our inventory, we’re ready to help you find your next vehicle here in Greensboro! If you have more questions about the car buying process or what to look for, feel free to contact us, and we’ll do our best to pair you with the vehicle you’ve been looking for!